Swallowing a tooth, whether baby or adult, often happens unexpectedly during a meal or injury. The human digestive system is capable of handling small, non-food items. In most cases, a swallowed tooth will navigate the gastrointestinal tract without causing harm and exit the body through a bowel movement, typically within a few days.
The Digestive System’s Handling of Foreign Objects
When a tooth is swallowed, it travels down the throat, enters the esophagus, and moves into the stomach. Teeth are composed primarily of dentin and enamel, highly mineralized tissues that are resistant to the stomach’s powerful hydrochloric acid. The acid is not strong enough to dissolve the tooth, so the structure remains largely intact as it continues its journey.
The stomach empties the tooth into the small intestine, where nutrient absorption occurs. The tooth moves through the intestines via peristalsis—wave-like muscle contractions that push contents through the digestive tract. The tooth is treated as non-digestible bulk, similar to vegetable fibers, continuing its passage into the large intestine and eventually the rectum for elimination.
The small and relatively smooth structure of a tooth allows it to pass through the intestines without getting lodged. Swallowed teeth successfully pass into the stool in over 90% of cases without the need for medical intervention.
Potential Complications and Warning Signs
While the passage of a tooth is typically uneventful, rare situations require medical attention. The most serious risk is not swallowing the tooth but accidentally aspirating it, meaning it enters the trachea and lodges in the airway or lungs. Signs of aspiration include persistent coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing immediately following the incident. This is a medical emergency.
Once the tooth is swallowed, complications center around potential obstruction or injury within the digestive tract. Seek medical evaluation if you experience severe abdominal pain or cramping that does not resolve. Persistent vomiting or an inability to pass gas or stool are concerning signs of a possible intestinal blockage.
Signs of internal injury, often caused by a jagged edge on a broken tooth or dental restoration, are less common. Blood in the stool or vomit, or the presence of a fever, could indicate a tear or irritation to the lining of the esophagus or intestines. Monitoring for these signs over the subsequent days is recommended.
Variables Influencing Transit Time
The time it takes for a swallowed tooth to pass varies significantly. For most individuals, the tooth is expelled in the stool within 24 to 48 hours, but it can occasionally take up to seven days. Transit time depends on several individual and physical factors.
The size and shape of the object play a role; a smaller, smoother baby tooth passes more quickly than a large, fractured adult tooth or a partial dental crown. The individual’s overall digestive health and typical bowel habits are also major influences. A person with a naturally faster gastrointestinal transit time will pass the object sooner than someone prone to constipation.
Diet and hydration levels affect how quickly the tooth travels. Consuming a diet rich in fiber and maintaining adequate hydration promotes regular, efficient bowel movements, which aids in the movement of the non-digestible tooth. Increasing fiber and water intake can help the body naturally expel the foreign object.